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Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta
Begin by boiling the pasta in a large pot of salted water according to the package directions, usually about 8-10 minutes. You want the pasta to be al dente, as it will continue cooking in the oven. Drain the pasta and set aside.
2. Make the Cheese Sauce
In a large saucepan, melt 3 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour to form a roux (this is the base of your sauce). Cook for about 1-2 minutes, whisking constantly, until the flour is lightly golden and has a nutty aroma.
Slowly pour in the milk, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Continue cooking, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens to a creamy consistency (about 5-7 minutes). It should coat the back of a spoon.
Add the Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika (if using). Stir to combine. Then, reduce the heat to low and gradually add the cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese, stirring until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
Taste the sauce and season with salt and pepper to your liking.
3. Combine Pasta and Cheese Sauce
Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce and stir to combine, making sure every piece of pasta is coated in that creamy, cheesy goodness. Be gentle while mixing to avoid breaking the pasta.
4. Prepare the Topping
In a small bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, melted butter, and grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until the breadcrumbs are evenly coated in the butter.
5. Assemble and Bake
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the cheesy pasta mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle the breadcrumb topping over the entire surface of the mac and cheese.
Place the dish in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and crispy, and the cheese is bubbling at the edges.
6. Serve and Enjoy
Once baked, remove the mac and cheese from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to thicken slightly, making it easier to scoop out servings.
Garnish with a little extra freshly ground black pepper or chopped herbs like parsley, if desired, and serve hot.
Tips for Perfect Homemade Baked Mac and Cheese
- Use Freshly Shredded Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can make the cheese sauce grainy. For the creamiest texture, shred your cheese from a block.
- Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Since the pasta will cook further in the oven, make sure it’s al dente when you drain it. This helps it hold its texture and prevents it from becoming mushy.
- Experiment with Cheese: While cheddar and mozzarella are the classics, feel free to experiment with different cheeses like Gruyère, Fontina, Gouda, or Monterey Jack for a unique flavor profile.
- Make It Ahead: You can prepare this mac and cheese ahead of time. Assemble the entire dish (without baking), cover it with plastic wrap or foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, simply pop it in the oven and bake as instructed. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if the dish is cold.
- Add Protein or Veggies: For a heartier meal, try adding cooked bacon, shredded rotisserie chicken, or sauteed spinach to the pasta before baking. You can also toss in some roasted vegetables like broccoli or cauliflower for a veggie-packed version.
- Leftover Love: Leftover baked mac and cheese makes an excellent lunch the next day. Just reheat it in the oven or microwave, and you might even find it tastes better as the flavors have had time to meld!
Variations to Try
While the classic baked mac and cheese is perfect just as it is, you can always get creative with variations to suit your tastes:
- Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese: Stir in some shredded cooked chicken tossed in Buffalo sauce for a spicy, tangy twist. Top with extra blue cheese crumbles for added flavor.
- Truffle Mac and Cheese: For a gourmet touch, drizzle a little truffle oil over the top before serving, or add truffle-infused cheese to the sauce.
- BBQ Mac and Cheese: Add a few tablespoons of barbecue sauce to the cheese sauce, and stir in shredded rotisserie chicken for a smoky flavor.
- Lobster Mac and Cheese: Elevate your mac and cheese with succulent lobster meat. Gently fold the lobster into the pasta mixture before baking for a decadent, seafood-infused dish.
- Vegan Mac and Cheese: Use vegan cheese and plant-based milk (like almond or oat milk) to create a dairy-free version. Nutritional yeast can give the dish a cheesy flavor.
Why This Is the Best Baked Mac and Cheese
What makes this homemade baked mac and cheese stand out is its balance of creamy and crunchy textures. The creamy cheese sauce, made from scratch, envelops the perfectly cooked pasta, while the crispy breadcrumb topping gives each bite a satisfying crunch. The blend of cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan provides depth of flavor, while the Dijon mustard and spices add a subtle complexity that makes this dish extraordinary.
This is comfort food at its finest—rich, cheesy, and completely indulgent. Whether you’re serving it as a side at a family gathering or enjoying it as the star of your dinner plate, this mac and cheese will undoubtedly be a hit. Once you’ve tried it, you’ll never want to go back to the boxed version again!
Final Thoughts
Baked mac and cheese is one of those dishes that never goes out of style. With its creamy, cheesy sauce, perfectly cooked pasta, and crispy topping, it’s the ultimate comfort food. By following this recipe, you’ll create a mac and cheese dish that rivals any you’ve had before—and it’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Happy cooking!
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